Case studies

ABEC is more than competent

The installation of a building management system (BMS) by ABEC at the National Composites Centre is part of a phase II project to double the size of the South Gloucestershire site. After working with engineers at NG Bailey on Phase 1 of the project, the strong relationship proved that ABEC has the skills and knowledge to complete the second phase.

The new fully integrated BMS controls all the mechanical systems at the National Composites Centre, a high performance facility for the research and innovation of composites and their place in British manufacturing. 10/11 air handling units control the chiller/ dryer cooler pumps from the heat exchanger, along with the boiler house that looks after the C02 pumps and three boilers. The overall heating system is controlled by pressurisation, which includes three water tanks and two booster sets.

Further measures include window activators and a close control refrigerator system, as well as the onsite rainwater storage, which all contribute to the site’s environmental performance.

NG Bailey offered the contract to ABEC based on the difficult technical specifications required. ABEC offered our technical expertise after being involved in Phase 1 of the project; the previous work meant there was an established and trusting relationship with the client.

A £28 million investment by the Government will increase the capacity of the centre. ABEC’s involvement is expected to last five months, finishing June 2014.

The increased capacity will create jobs in the long run, while providing 80-150 construction jobs during the build phase. ABEC is aiming to help with the current lack of qualified building engineers with our newly launched Academy to provide engineering schemes for school leavers, graduates and those with industry experience. The National Composites Centre, once completed, will also have a world-class training centre to help educate the next generation of engineers.